Tamaulipas Tamales - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 doz. small thin corn shucks
1 lb. shortening
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. chili powder
3 lb. masa
5 Tbsp. water

Preparation

Soak corn shucks in warm water 1 day before using.
Soak in warm water again before using.
Work shortening, chili powder and salt into masa.
Add water and knead with hands until smooth. Using back of spoon, spread mixture thinly and evenly on inside of shuck, covering about half of shuck.
Fill with following mixture.